Aiglon Magazine for Its Join the Interesting Content and Good Conversation! Board of Governors Design and Layout

School People Mountain Ideas Aiglon’s tuck shop has been Six Aiglonian experts It is the expeditioner’s John Corlette’s vision is supplying sweet treats for discuss what the future essential refuge. We explore expressed today in Aiglon’s more than 50 years. holds for the art market. the joy of the mountain hut. guiding principles.

AIGLON The Magazine of Aiglon College ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 SUMMER 2016 A IG L ON THE MAGAZINE Possession Collection possession.piaget.com

Piaget Boutique Piaget Boutique Piaget Boutique Rue du Rhône 40 - Geneva Bahnhofstrasse 38 - Zurich Grendelstrasse 19 - Lucerne AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 SUMMER 2016

Contents Features Aiglonology 02 Letters 03 News 05 View from the mountain 07 Here’s looking at you 09 Staf room 10 Around the mountain 11 Diary 14 Laid bare 12 16 Private Passions Guiding principles 41 Why I love… CAS and PSHE coordinator, PE teacher John Corlette’s vision for Aiglon is as 43 Obituaries and expeditioner Louise Thomas. much a part of the school as it ever was. 44 Behind the scenes 46 Personal best 48 Classnotes

AIGLON is published twice a year, in the winter and summer, and is sent free to Aiglonians. It is available to other readers on subscription. The opinions expressed in AIGLON are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Aiglon College. Managing editor: Karen Sandri Editor: Mira Katbamna Deputy editor: Steve McGrath Designer: Kate Monument Produced for Aiglon College by YBM www.ybm.co.uk 22 30 Tuck shop Aiglon on art It has been supplying treats for those with Six Aiglonian experts on what the future www.aiglon.ch a sweet tooth for more than 50 years. holds for collectors and artists.

Cover: The art cupboard containing more than 20 years of art department memorabilia left by students and staf Photograph: Joe McGorty

34 46 Mountain huts Personal best Discover an expeditioner’s essential Sprinter Joshua Nda-Isaiah’s recipe for home for rest, refuge, food and friends. success is based on the Aiglon way.

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 1 Editor’s letter Welcome to Your Issue six letters

T IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT In response to William Lockwood’s we present the sixth issue of the letter (AM, Issue 3), was it Châtelard Io aa a ot of to a that was put in peril by marauding wonderful start, with Aiglonian successes Aiglonites? The story goes that the on multiple fronts. Our skiers won yet another big haul of medals and our Model school duty master received a United Nations delegation distinguished phone call from the fearful lady in themselves at the Holland Conference. charge of the beleaguered girls. As the snow began to melt, the sound Alarmed at the perils likely to befall of hammers banging and power tools her charges, her report of Aiglon’s humming outside my window grew louder, siege operations concluded with the marking the steady advance of Aiglon’s words: “... and they have a ladder”! beautiful new boarding house. Exeter girls are looking forward to moving into their I do enjoy the Head Master’s new home at the end of August – not long apposite observations (View from to wait. the mountain, p5). I was once But alongside success and growth, our involved in a middle school ommt a fr rat o expedition that included Morat. a rmmr to r o Unfortunately I was too busy to blitz were key in the creation and continuation the bookshops. of our school and in the personal lives of Terence O’Hara Aiglonians across the globe. Joyce Lowe and Philip Parsons have left a hole in the ormr taf a hearts of many of us, and will continue to Houseparent, 1961-1970) be remembered. In this past year I have been fortunate to meet many of you at one of the numerous events we have hosted around the world. I am so impressed by our community, and I am honoured to work for and with you. Our team is committed to community building and I hope to meet more of you in the coming year. o ot r t t our ‘Meet us around the world’ page at www.aiglon.ch/meetus Karen Sandri Senior Advancement Oficer [email protected]

2 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 School People Body Mountain Mind Spirit News All new e-newsletter Keep your diary up-to-date with Aiglon events and networking opportunities (not to mention news and classnotes) by carefully checking our new newsletter. It is sent out three times a year, and you can update your preferred email address at [email protected] Questions answered o a arr o would be delighted to meet with any parents who have questions about planning for transition after Aiglon and will be hosting information sessions at parent teacher meetings in December and March. For more information email [email protected] I like the Aiglon magazine for its Join the interesting content and good conversation! Board of Governors design and layout. My husband and www.aiglonlife.ch I run the Klein Paradijs guesthouse email: [email protected] Ingrid Christophersen MBE has stepped write to: Aiglon Magazine, down from her role on the Aiglon Board of near Gansbaai (the white shark Aiglon College, 1885 Chesières, Governors after six years of service. Aiglon capital of South Africa) and I display Switzerland. is deeply grateful to Ingie for her dedication the magazine quite proudly in our Facebook: and years of service to the school – spanning www.facebook.com/aiglon an impressive 35 years. public areas. Twitter: @aigloncollege Susanne Fuchs-Wegmann (Clairmont, 1981) First weekend in July ar t or ar t rt Thank you for pointing me to the o or oa o o online version of the magazine – it Weekend. Seth Barker, Aiglon’s Alumni r o t to o a will be great to share it with friends and host reunion events on campus. Class and family far away. I really enjoy Secretaries – and all other alumni who would the magazine – it gives such a good like to get involved – are invited to contact flavour of the community at Aiglon. [email protected] for more information. Wonderful! Annabel Richmond (Parent of Henry Richmond, Ski Mountaineering Three Aiglon students represented the Delaware, Lower Sixth) UK in the European Ski Mountaineering Championships against some of the best athletes in the world. Oliver Patrick (Belvedere, Upper Sixth), Jack Wright Left: Tony (Alpina, Fifth Form) and Jake Doyle Jashmanal Sports (Belvedere, Fourth Form) made a vertical Centre at tm or ta a Right: La standard Aiglon Dépendance skinning expedition – in just two hours. ADISR results Aiglon’s Senior skiers won an impressive nine out of 12 possible trophies. Illustrations by Ruby Taylor Ruby by Illustrations ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 3 Who helped NEC ﬁ nd its perfect partner? Find out how Credit Suisse could play matchmaker for your merger at credit-suisse.com/nec

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24161_216x286_Aiglon_Mag_NEC_e.indd 1 18.05.16 13:53 AIGLONOLOGY From the Head Master View from the mountain

Richard McDonald HEAD MASTER Felix Odell Felix

HEN I RETURNED TO AIGLON “Hooray for as Head Master in 2009, I was learning by W no stranger to John Corlette’s o a ma o tatmt heart! But about the priorities of a good education. memorisation However, I was met with a fair amount of alone remains vagueness – and, in some cases, squabbling – about what constituted the guiding a frail strategy statements of the school. for learning the Over a period of years there had been standards by various iterations of “what really mattered” at Aiglon, and it was reassuring to see that which we aspire a charter, outlining the school’s seven to live” guiding principles, appeared in a number of locations around the school. They were laudable, but there was a problem. r a a mmr o taf at the guiding principles were, I got a quizzical look and a rather subjective amalgam of some of the key ideas. Whenever I asked a student I got a puzzled look and a tentative answer along the lines of “...not breaking the rules...? ...no hard liquor? …no kissing, or worse?” If I asked someone directly to recite the seven carefully worded principles, I was met with either blankness, irritation – or alarm. This didn’t seem very satisfactory. As detailed elsewhere in this issue (see page 16), in 2010 the school embarked on an would be periodically summoned on stage I have been agreeably surprised inclusive process to review all the guiding in a whole school assembly to display their how often in recent times students statements that had been generated and faultless mastery of them. spontaneously make reference published since the inception of the school. What began as a potentially intimidating (occasionally, I admit, with a glimmer From these, an eclectic group representing rite of passage quickly became more of a of gentle irony) to the guiding principles taf tt a art t a good-natured game, as familiar as a TV in a range of contexts. re-articulated the school’s current guiding theme tune, at the start or end of a school a t ar o principles, which went through a rigorous gathering. More importantly, it was suggest to a visitor or a prospective family series of approvals. One of the key criteria astonishing how quickly everyone played that if they want to hear what the guiding was this: they had to be memorable, and the game, and seemed increasingly pleased principles of the school are, they can memorisable. that they could actually articulate, with simply ask a student. From there it was a short step to agree arm rot ao tr So, hooray for learning by heart! But that there was little point in them being peers, the essence of their school. Even new memorisation alone remains a frail strategy memorisable if they were not memorised. tt at tr r rt mtato t for learning the standards by which we And from this was born a Head Master’s was not a list of “don’ts” and “can’ts”, but a aspire to live. Understanding is better. Best edict that must have seemed more 19th simple mantra for a balanced and of all, however, is internalisation, where tr ta t a taf a a tt purposeful existence, with a shelf life that the essence of what we have learnt and would be expected to memorise the Guiding was permanent – not limited to a handful understood becomes truly a compass for Principles. Perhaps more terrifyingly, they o t oo ar our thoughts and acts. •

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 5 PERRIER-JOUËT, THE ALLURING CHAMPAGNE Since its foundation in 1811, the champagne house Perrier-Jouët has crafted elegant, floral wines of rare finesse with a Chardonnay hallmark. The elegance of the cuvees echoes that of the Art Nouveau anemones adorning the Belle Epoque bottle and offers moments of pure delight and beauty. www.perrier-jouet.com

Please Drink Responsibly

6 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLONOLOGY Here’s looking at you Andrew Leslie (Belvedere, 1976)

Writer: ANNE WOLLENBERG Photography: BLAIR GABLE

WHEN YOU’RE DANGLING possible. “Everything is an adventure at halfway down a building with that age. But it was also a chance to get to a kink in the rope, there’s only know people really well,” he says. Andrew one person who can solve the problem,” remembers one particular night spent in a laughs Andrew Leslie (Belvedere, 1976). Swiss army bunker, surrounded by soldiers This life lesson came during end-of-term out on a training exercise. “It was pouring celebrations. “We planned to rappel down with rain. They saw us trudging by pitifully the outside of Belvedere to demonstrate a ofr tr the outdoor prowess of Aiglon’s young men He also recalls being woken by a and women.” landslide on the mountain just behind ara t rmmr the school. “The earth started to move at r o a orm ata t rt around four in the morning. It wiped out “All the parents were watching. I got about a couple of houses. Belvedere went from halfway, came to a shuddering halt and darkness to a frenzy of activity and by dawn then was left dangling while everyone we were outside, giving people a hand.” shouted advice. It was the talk of the school “I was left dangling As Army Commander, Andrew had for days.” while everyone dealings with politicians at the highest Andrew, now a Member of Parliament shouted advice. levels of government. “I saw some good for the Liberal Party in Canada, is a retired things, and some I wanted to improve, so I Lieutenant-General who served in the It was the talk of the started knocking on doors.” The result was Canadian army for 35 years – the last four school for days” the decision to stand for Parliament. Two as its Commander. He says he owes much of his three children have pursued military of his character to Belvedere houseparent careers, while the youngest is a stage and of the time, Mr John Elliot. “He was a very television actress. capable and thoughtful gentleman.” “Aiglon taught me so many life skills,” he Rappelling notwithstanding, Andrew says. “I learned that there is no such thing a oo o to rom rt as an army of one. Aiglon really teaches the experience and he went on as many as importance of everyone around you.” •

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 7 8 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLONOLOGY Staf room Global aspirations

Below — Lucy Widdows, Patience Fanella-Koch, Patience Fanella-Koch Carol Logie and Edith Miletto from the Director of College and Career Counselling College and Career Counselling team.

TUDENTS COME TO AIGLON from all over the world – so it is no

Ssurprise that their aspirations are Joe McGorty global. And they are all unique. That’s or oa to t rt t or each individual, helping them to select a university and post-Aiglon career path which will enable them to be successful personally and academically. Last year, around 60 students submitted 540 university applications in 13 countries, from Switzerland to Singapore. Sixty per cent went to study in the US, 20 per cent to the UK and 20 per cent to the rest of the world. This year, 72 students have, between them, submitted 670 applications. We are a team of four: three counsellors (myself, Lucy Widdows and Edith Miletto) and our administrator (Carol Logie). We know our way around the admissions process at universities all over the world. Criteria tend to change each year – we stay up to date by networking and attending conferences, ensuring we “Our goal is to find the right fit for each individual, helping them select a path which will enable them to succeed” can give students the best advice on IB whole Lower Sixth attends a college fair in Diploma choices and entrance exams. Geneva with over 100 institutions, we have Students at Aiglon have very packed a very successful SAT intensive preparation schedules, but planning for life post-Aiglon programme on campus, we welcome over is always key. Comprehensive counselling 75 university representatives to Aiglon is available from the Fourth Form. We each year, and we also spend time working get to know each student in individual with students on college essays, personal meetings and through the college statements and interview technique. preparation classes we teach from the We are available for individual meetings Fifth Form on. From choosing IB Diploma with visiting parents, or we can catch up or to mmr att via Skype – whatever it takes to make sure students need to do things that will help they get the answers to their questions and them discover more about themselves and ot tat t a tr r If you are a recent graduate and would be happy to talk to Aiglon what they do – and don’t – enjoy, so Fifth- have all the information they need to make students about your university Formers do a ‘personality and professional good choices. Parents often comment that experiences, we would love to ro tt tat tm t tr we make a complex process easier. hear from you! Get in touch at natural strengths. And we are not just here until students [email protected] Around 20 to 30 new students usually leave the school. Each year, around 10 per join in the Lower Sixth, so we work hard cent of the graduating class take a gap year. to ensure that they are well-prepared We help with planning and, when they to make their post-Aiglon choices. The return, help with university applications. •

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 9 village was built in 1661 and there are others from 1667 and 1750, meaning they survived a ro r tat ama t a 1719. A lot of visitors just can’t understand how that can be, but in fact, it is largely down to the care taken with the wood that was used to build them,” she says. At a time when there was less of a hurry OU NEED STRONG LEGS TO when it came to construction, the building navigate Gryon. This spectacular process was slow and careful, with respect area has an improbably steep Y for the environment, the seasons and local geography, with its lowest point sitting tradition. The trees used to produce the at a fr r t ao rr Around the timber that went into building these chalets o at a att o m a t were only cut once a year. Woodcutters took mountain highest point, in the stunning Diablerets to the forest in November, and even then massif, perching at 2,262m. It’s no wonder they had to wait for a night with the moon in the locals say that 50 per cent of Gryon’s the optimal phase – in accordance with the chalets are built on a hill – while the other lunar calendar which was (and sometimes 50 per cent are built on a slope. still is) heavily relied on. The wood was Making the climb through the village, then left to dry for a long time before it was as Aiglonians’ expeditions often do, is well considered ready to build with, and only ort t fort a o am o then could it be put to use to create the Gryon works as a guide in Gryon. The hillside, Writer: SANDRA HAURANT structures that can still be seen today. Photography: JOE McGORTY less than a 10-minute drive from Aiglon, Gryon may only be home to 1,217 is studded with unique traditional Swiss inhabitants but, unlike many rural villages, chalets, some of which date back as far its population is actually on the increase. The as the 17th century – a living museum chalets may provide a veritable window to showcasing beautiful examples of the very the past, with their warm woods, elaborately special architecture that is so characteristic carved balustrades and gables, but – with of this part of the Swiss Alps. regular student visitors – the village is very It is thanks to clever use of timber that much part of an Aiglon present. • these chalets, at once sturdy and intricate, still stand today, explains Nicole, who runs Nicole Rahmé ofers guided tours of Gryon and a tour that shows visitors the key sites of surrounding areas. She can be contacted on +41 the village. “One of the oldest chalets in the (0) 79 647 78 18 or at [email protected].

10 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLONOLOGY Diary JULY – DECEMBER 2016

For further information or to register for an event visit www.aiglonlife.ch/events

27 August 2016 15 December 2016 New parents The play’s the thing Join us at the new student If you are planning to be and parent welcome event. in the Villars area in mid- We look forward to seeing December, please join us “Clever use of timber, you on the mountain. for the Senior School’s production of Alice by Laura sturdy and intricate, Autumn 2016 Wade, a dynamic and modern means that the chalets Aiglon Stateside adaptation of the much-loved still stand today” Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Join us Stateside to network, Caroll – with a twist! We meet old friends and make look forward to welcoming Nicole Rahmé new ones at alumni reunions Gryon Guide you to what should be a truly in LA, San Francisco and “wonder-ful” afternoon. Florida or meet the Head Master in New York at the 15 December 2016 NYC Aiglon/FOAC biannual gala. For more information Sixth Form Parents about all these events please Aiglon will host its annual otat t am o Sixth Form Parents’ Dinner on Thursday 15 December. 9-14 October 2016 We look forward to welcoming all Sixth Form Round Square parents to the mountain. This autumn, Aiglon will Invitations to follow. welcome students from schools around the world Throughout 2016/17 to the mountain for the Round Square International Aiglon Global Conference. Wherever you are in the world, we’d love to see you! September/November 2016 We love it when you return to the mountain, but Aiglon’s Aiglon network Advancement, Admissions Looking to hire a bright new and Alumni team are mo at to delighted to meet the Aiglon Page 10, clockwise, from left Page 11, top a like-minded partner or community around the world. The Chalet de l’Ours. The chalet A view of the Dents du Midi, including industry inspiration? Join us o ot was built in 1750 and, along with the detail of a Protestant church. the barn, is a listed monument. in Geneva in mid-September next be coming to a city near The style is baroque – rustic and Above, left and right and London in November to you, please visit our “Meet called “oberlandais”, built by the Detail of the Chalet de l’Ours. meet fellow Aiglonians and us around the world” page, carpenters from “les Ormonts”. share industry insights and o a r Ours means bear (the last bear in networks. www.aiglon.ch/meetus. Gryon was killed in 1838).

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 11 Private Passions Louise Thomas CAS and PSHE coordinator, PE teacher and expeditioner

This page — Louise on the local rock face at Dorenaz, used to train Aiglon students.

12 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLONOLOGY Writer: ANNE WOLLENBERG Photography: JOE McGORTY

Below, top to bottom — THE FEELING YOU GET AT THE Greater Trango in Pakistan, the top of a mountain is a sense of biggest vertical rock face in the world; Louise “camping” on completeness. That if the world the face of the Citadel, Bafin stopped right then, it would be OK,” says Island (in the Canadian territory CAS and PSHE coordinator, PE teacher of Nunavut), during the first ascent of the “Endless Day”. and expeditioner Ms Louise Thomas, who is one of just six British female international mountain guides. “It’s but then he stood up. He’d managed to amazing being in such a vertical world with duck down and all the snow and boulders space all around you, beneath you, above went over his head.” The climbers you. I feel incredibly privileged to have eventually gave up 400 metres from the those moments.” top. “It was hard to turn around, but the She especially enjoys ‘big wall’ climbing: success was that we got that far and all vertical faces that take longer to tackle. came back down alive.” “Meaning you need to take a big bag. You As a teenager, Ms Thomas loved hill- move slowly upwards, dragging it behind walking. “I went to a very traditional you.” The biggest was Pakistan’s Greater school in Scotland where girls couldn’t Trango, the world’s largest vertical face. In join the hill-walking club, so that was how 1998, Ms Thomas, her husband, Mr Mike you rebelled – by going walking.” Books “Twid” Turner, and two friends spent by mountaineers like Chris Bonington 21 days there. “It’s very beautiful, but very and Peter Boardman also captured her dangerous to get onto,” she says, with a imagination. degree of understatement. After studying at Chelsea School of On this trip, bad weather conditions ma omt r rt mt made things even more treacherous. mathematics teacher Mrs Tracey Wright), ro ar ro of t to o Ms Thomas learned to rock climb in north the mountain and boulders started rolling Wales. She worked at Bedales School in down,” she recalls. “I had to hide under an Hampshire but missed the mountains – f tot m a a a so she moved to Scotland to climb and buried under hundreds of metres of snow, r aato t to a where she spent 18 years working at the National Mountain Centre, Plas y Brenin, om t rt ma trtor Climbing has taken Ms Thomas to all “It’s amazing being corners of the globe, from Greenland to in a vertical world Borneo. Today, she enjoys the intricacy with space around of rock climbing and loves living in the you, beneath you, Alps, but having a 10-year-old daughter means she is reluctant to embark on more above you” dangerous expeditions. And the advice she would give to aspiring mountaineers? “Have patience – and enjoy the journey.” •

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 13 AIGLONOLOGY

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Room 32

Photography: JOE McGORTY

1 Paper tube 22 Indian ink 31 2 Metre metal rule 23 Linseed oil 3 Clay 24 Brushes 4 Large paintbrush 25 Stanley knife 5 Oil pastels 26 Safety glove 30 6 ‘Jerry’ – artist’s 27 Turpentine can 29 mannequin 28 Glass block 7 Art board 29 Canvas frame 8 Palette knife 30 Roller 9 Palette 31 Handmade tool 10 Painter’s cloth 32 UHU glue 27 11 Pliers 28 12 Woodworking tool Above — The art cupboard, containing 13 Oil paint brush more than 20 years of art 14 Masking tape department memorabilia left 15 Neon spraypaint by students and staf. 16 Oil paint 17 Glaze 18 Chalk 19 Bolt cutter 20 Glass 21 Poster paint

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ISSUE 5 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 15 Nowhere else puts respect – for the environment, for yourself, for younger students – at the heart of school life Andrew Cook (Alpina, Lower Sixth)

A rule to live by John Corlette founded Aiglon with a vision for a new kind of school. Today, that vision is expressed in a set of guiding principles that run through the heart of every school day.

WILLIAM HAM BEVAN Writer: Photography: JOE McGORTY Typography: GARY MONUMENT

16 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 For me service is about taking the opportunity to help whenever you can. And luckily it feels good to give back! Isabel Sverner Haegler (Exeter, Fifth Form)

ETWEEN THE COVERS OF A SLIM booklet, running to no more than 28 Bpages, is the essence of what makes Aiglon special – a mission to achieve “the balanced development of mind, body and spirit through challenge, respect, responsibility, diversity and service”. These are Aiglon’s guiding principles, stating a goal that is as old as the school itself. As the Head Master’s foreword to the booklet explains, the principles are intended to a oato o o ortt original vision in 1949. However, Mr Corlette did not formulate a “Head Master’s manual” to facilitate this task – nor is there evidence that he even used the phrase “guiding principles” himself. This is the story of how Aiglon’s now-renowned guiding principles came to be formulated. Mr Corlette’s ideals were heavily to o rt a erstwhile mentor and the founder of Gordonstoun. Sharing Hahn’s emphasis on a holistic rather than a purely academic education, Mr Corlette believed that a school should foster its students’ development in four interdependent capacities: physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual. The last of the four – the spiritual dimension – is vital to an understanding of Mr Corlette’s particular blueprint for Aiglon, and retains its place in the guiding principles of today. In one of his most quoted addresses to the school, delivered in 1973, he said: “We believe that the goal of education is, or should be, the development of the whole man, by means of a direct

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 17 apprehension of the purpose of life, and the true nature of himself. Such physical wealth as we may need for our passage through this life will automatically follow the spiritual wealth which we have worked to achieve. Hence we set as our primary goal the development of the spiritual man.” Mrs Valerie Scullion, Head of Admissions and Advancement, believes the guiding principles are a living expression of Aiglon’s educational heritage, and an important factor when parents choose to put their sons and daughters forward for the school. She says: “I think that it resonates with a lot of families that we can demonstrate longevity while still holding true to our original founding principles. It shows that, as a school, we really understand who we are. We may modernise, but we are not going to change to suit the trends of the mart or ommat frt t to frt o t to t tm tro the door.” The current version of the guiding principles dates back to 2010, when the whole school took part in a root-and-branch consultation exercise. Mr Tom Higgins, Head of Mathematics, was involved in the process. “It was felt that we should be revisiting our guiding principles, and we involved a big group of people – governors, and documented speeches and meditations a ot aam a atora taf going right back through our history to he says. John Corlette. The discussion was not rt t a oo so much about what we wanted to say over the history. We all had a copy of – it was more about how we wanted the book [With Wings as Eagles: to say it.” the story of Aiglon College – a Students were also represented. history of the school published in Omar Kalouti (Alpina 2010) 1999] and we read through that was among the participants, beforehand. Then we had excerpts and found much in Mr of previous guiding principles, Corlette’s writings that chimed with his own experiences. “He emphasised knowledge of self,” he says. “There was one quotation that really resonated with me: ‘The goal of education is the development of the spiritual man – that part of us which is Taking responsibility capable of a vision of the purpose for myself, my kit of life, of the true nature of and my friends on ourselves and the world in which ex has made me very we live.’ organised “To me, that captured what Aiglon was about. You’re not only Malik Ganiev (Delaware, Third Form) being equipped with a set of skills that will allow you to make a living, but being nurtured with a set of ideas that will allow you to make a life.” After lengthy discussion, the tam r a a omt Mr Higgins believes it was successful in summing up the school ethos in something that was “memorable, short and punchy”, with its three headings and

18 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 I have a very open-minded perspective on life and people – it’s impossible not to when your friends are from all over the world Anna Gacek (Exeter, Lower Sixth)

However, ensuring that all members of the school are familiar with the guiding principles has only ever been the beginning of their value. They are designed not to be recited, but to be lived; and that is a process that begins even before admission. Mrs Scullion points out that as one of a handful of international schools that invites all prospective students for interview with the Head Master, Aiglon introduces the guiding principles at an early stage. She says: “We make it clear that we expect all our students to know, to understand and to implement them in their own lives, and we continually reinforce this during the admissions process. “This means that once someone becomes a student here, they can never say, ‘I don’t agree with that’ or ‘I don’t want to uphold this type of thing’. It is very clear to all our students that, by choosing to take up your place at Aiglon, you are committing yourself to those principles.” The truth is that few students have any disagreement with the guiding principles, which have once again been under scrutiny t ar a art o o ar accreditation review. The exercise has collated a large amount of comment from o t a t students. Responses agreed that the made sure it was communicated throughout principles were “balanced, well-practised the school in framed documents on the and unique”, that they create “well-rounded wall,” he says. “And the Head Master had a people – which is important for the good campaign where he brought the international community” and that they are principles up at every assembly, and let it be “the rules we should live by to be a true, known that he was going to quiz students oa aot tm o tart tm of t Stt ao ofr mor ta t rt o a t at t observations of what the principles meant others were.” to them under the three headings of mind, Such initiatives have a long history at o a rt t rt Andrey Aiglon. One alumna from the 1980s recalls a Makiyevskiy (Delaware, Lower Sixth) rules test at the start of each school year, in said: “Aiglon teaches you how to become an which her class would be called upon to individual and how to become self- write out the then-current principles. It’s a t t o ot to t or a measure of the exercise’s success that she more balanced person.” can still remember them word for word: Like many, School Guardian Megan “The aim of the school is to train the mind Chalcraft (Clairmont, Upper Sixth) and develop in its students the qualities of considers expeditions to be the purest honesty, self-discipline, good health in expression of the guiding principles relating body and mind, thoughtfulness and service to “body”. She said: “You get to see a to others.” frt o o or o

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 19 20 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME www.domainedebarbossi.fr1

Laiglon.indd 3 20/05/2016 10:38 The real challenge is learning not just to follow the rules, but how to do the right thing Sofia Ron Lopez Cano (Exeter, Fifth Form)

You get to see who can take things in their stride – say they’ve fallen in a puddle, they get back up and carry on walking – or people who really struggle and need more help.” And on spirit, Anna Gacek (Exeter, Lower Sixth) said: “It’s the things you learn outside the classroom that often hold a higher value in life, because life’s not just about sitting in a classroom or o t ot o o trat t o o o r t situations, how you get to the place you want to get to.” Mr John Turner, Head of Physics, a taf a tt a ma engagement event, during which groups discussed Internationalism, teaching and learning at Aiglon and each of our Guiding Principles. The feedback was encouraging, with fully 90 per cent of student groups agreeing that the Guiding Principles, as currently stated, are very appropriate for o mo taf t r a a remarkable 100 per cent. Indeed, it is clear that the school’s stakeholders view Aiglon’s Guiding Principles as being both unique and genuinely inspiring. Mr Turner says: “Almost everybody agreed that the way we describe the Guiding Principles now is excellent, but the feedback suggested that we do need to keep looking at how we implement them on a daily basis. The question is, what can we do to live by them even more authentically?” Omar adds that the principles do not lose their relevance upon leaving school. “It was useful to have clarity as to what the underpinning philosophy of our education was – to have it down on paper, like a country having a constitution,” he says. “It helps you form a set of personal guiding principles at an early age, and tat t omt arr beyond Aiglon.” •

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 21 AIGLONOLOGY TUCK s h o p a a tt rr at tm for three. What about a sip of Ovalmaltine? A bargain at 20 centimes a glass. This is the history of Aiglon’s tuck shop – a supplier of treats for more than 50 years.

Writer: MEGAN WELFORD Illustrations: JOËL PENKMAN

22 AIGLON ISSUE 5 VOLUME 1 AIGLONOLOGY

ISSUE 65 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 23 “At that time there was nothing to buy in the chalet, you had to go down through the fields to Villars, then come back uphill during a break of 15 minutes”

24 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 HE FICTIONAL NANNY “John Corlette, or JC as we respectfully Mary Poppins and the referred to him (but not to his face), made it English writer Virginia a condition that we sell dried fruit and nuts Woolf made two very as well as chocolate. Obviously they proved important points about to be a less popular choice. So I kept a small life. Poppins sang that ‘a number of these bananas – I remember they spoonful of sugar helps were dried in a bunch – in case he stopped the medicine go down’, by unexpectedly. But he never actually did. and Woolf wrote about He trusted us!” the necessity of having a ‘room of one’s The tuck shop was also an opportunity o orr to or t o at for students to demonstrate their Aiglon has been providing both for more trrra ar o ott a than 50 years. opportunity to capitalise on his clientele’s “My favourite is o r rt o r t fondness for fried potatoes. He recalls: the duck wrap. boys, all housed higher up the mountain in ofr a tm It has this special Les Evêques – was established in 1954 by discount on a bag of potato chips, which sauce which I love, Ian Crocker (Les Evêques, 1954) for a usually sold for CHF 1.10, I ordered 20 cases though I’m not sure clientele with discerning palates. He notes a tor of t romotoa in his diary: “It has been rather a good week tr a t t tm a rot what it is...” as we started to buy cakes. We bought 30 on top of the usual 10 centimes supplier’s Aleksander Ksiazek cakes one afternoon and by the end of the discount. We were in ‘hog heaven’ selling (Delaware, Lower Sixth) day they had all gone. We have sold no fruit rar a ara aor again this week!” chips. The cases sold out in two weeks.” Ian’s shop was called CroPop, combining Other top products at the Clairmont Club his own name and that of his business Room were chocolate (made, of course, partner and roommate, Michael Pope by Swiss chocolatiers Lindt, Suchard and (Les Evêques, 1957). CroPop’s bestsellers t r mota m Somtm were Coca-Cola (sold at 45 centimes a a bit too fresh! Still warm, and pungent!”) ott t a tm rot o t and soft drinks including Coca Cola, Sprite bottle was returned); Petit Beurre biscuits and German brand Sinalco. tm or tr t ooat Today, the tuck shop, Cookie on Campus, (15 centimes for three squares); Spangles supplies not just the usual range of chocolate sweets; Ovomaltine and orange, lemon bars and Zweifel crisps (paprika and salt and raspberry juice made from syrup (20 and vinegar are particularly popular), but centimes a glass). also the temptation that is the fresh and By 1965, Aiglon again found itself in hot homemade cookies. “Last week I tried need of a tuck shop, and Louie Snyder to stop eating them – and the milkshakes,” (Delaware, 1969) stepped into the says Aleksander Ksiazek (Delaware, breach. Of course, sugar was not necessarily Lower Sixth), “but everyone is eating part of Head Master John Corlette’s vision. them and it’s too hard…” But as Louie explains, the Clairmont Club Aleksander sometimes chooses the Room tuck shop was permitted to trade atr ra aotr rm aort within particular boundaries. thanks to its mysterious sauce. “The sauce is not sweet, it’s not savoury,” says Faisal Left — Alfadl (Alpina, Upper Sixth). “I don’t CroPop, Aiglon’s first know anyone who doesn’t like it.” In fact, tuck shop, founded in Faisal has invented his own Oreo-based 1954 by Ian Crocker and Michael Pope, milkshake, the Fai, which is so good that sold Coca-Cola at 45 oo taf ar a ar ar a centimes a bottle for a for it regularly. “I can’t tell you the recipe, 20 centime profit. though – it’s a secret,” he says.

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 25 fresh food

26 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 Above, clockwise from left — “We’d go down to our supplier, grocer Louis Snyder in the tuckshop; Albert Pidoux in Villars, every day and and a poster for Ian Crocker’s mostly walked the stuf back up. But I CroPop. Are you the student eating chocolate with Louis or remember JC giving us a lift in his Bentley do you have memories of the when we had crates of Coca-Cola. We sold tuck shop? Share them at an entire crate to Mme Nef, our piano www.facebook.com/aiglon. teacher, for the end-of-term concert. “Any proft we made we put back into the business, and by the end of term we had paid of the machine. I wrote down we made Cookie on Campus, installed at the a grand proft of CHF 159.85 but I honestly bottom of La Dépendance, boasts a whole can’t remember what we did with it.” array of rooms, tables and chairs, sofas, The tuck shop always proved a proftable “The Sixth Formers a TV and music centre as well as the food business, and by the end of 1954 John get the back room, counter. But back in 1954, CroPop was just Corlette worried it was too proftable. “He with the TV, two tables and a bench squeezed into an thought we were selling too much, as people couches and pool upstairs room, three metres by four metres. owed quite a sum of money,” says Ian. His Ian remembers: “At that time there diary notes: “We had to close for two days table. Everyone’s was nothing to buy in the chalet. You had on account of people not being able to pay. there. It’s always to go down through the felds to Villars, A bill of CHF 50 is owed.” lively” then come back uphill during a break of The boys in those days received pocket 15-20 minutes. money of CHF 5 a week, held by the school Sabri Jasani (Le Cerf, Lower Sixth) “From May it was hot going. I thought secretary, Marie Thessier de la Vigne, the boys would be good clients if we sold who would give it out weekly. But CroPop sweets, chocolates and cakes – I thought we gave credit, and boys often exceeded their could make some money! weekly allowance. “Michael and I went to speak to John By 1965 that allowance had risen to Corlette about it and he agreed we could do around CHF 15 for Sixth Formers, Louie it, although he was a bit reluctant about the remembers, but still the students, especially money aspect – he thought the boys might the poorer juniors, managed to fnd end up owing money. He was right as it themselves running into debt. turned out! “During pocket money time we would “He must have lent us the money to start, send round our collection ‘goons’! The as I noted we were paying him back at fve juniors called us that. They didn’t like it centimes on every glass of juice. He and Mr when a big tall senior leaned over them Peter Bates gave us a juice-making machine with his hand out saying, ‘You owe us four and we had nothing but trouble with it – you francs and I see you with fve there!’ But we couldn’t ft the nozzle onto the tap without it were teaching them an important lesson in being tied up with string! becoming more fnancially responsible.”

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 27 «The English Real Estate Agent Resident in Villars since 1991» (Alumnus ‘7 1 Belvedere)

CHALET ST CLAIR * Superb 7 Bedroom Chalet * Owned by former Aiglon Parent * Walking Distance of Aiglon & Villars CHF 2’995’000

28 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 Left — Cookie on Campus, in La Dépendance, has already made its name among current students for its handmade, hot and fresh... cookies.

«The English Real Estate Agent Resident in Villars since 1991» (Alumnus ‘7 1 Belvedere)

Louie was prepared for the rough and We managed to escape later but my girlfriend tumble of retail from an early age. Hailing ended up having to confess. Prefects did from a family who owned a department store have privileges but I was still reprimanded.” employing 300 people in Norfolk, Virginia, oa at a a t o USA, he was “weaned into the business”, and the back room remain popular, but helping in the warehouse from the age of online radio station La Fabrik has replaced four and travelling to sales conferences the Beatles. “We like to blast loud music,” rom t a o r roa a aa to t o t oor more in the way than anything else,” he and watch Nickleodeon and the Disney remembers, “but we learned!” Channel – it’s funny when we’re all together.” CHALET ST CLAIR Under Louie’s stewardship the Clairmont “The Sixth Formers congregate at Club Room went from strength to strength, Cookie’s,” explains Sabri Jasani (Le mo rom t o oor at armot Cerf, Lower Sixth). “The back room, with “It’s like being in Superb 7 Bedroom Chalet where trade was conducted over a counter the TV, couches and pool table – everyone’s your room, but * Louie had made himself in woodwork, there. It’s always lively.” with your friends to t r rar o t ro oor Nowadays, students receive a termly around you!” Owned by former Aiglon Parent Here, it later gained an adjoining verandah allowance based on clear guidelines from * classroom, dubbed Louie’s Den, with proper the school – and subject to parental Faisal Alfadl lighting, rugs, comfortable couches and a scrutiny. It’s a system that has its (Alpina, Upper Sixth) Walking Distance of Aiglon & Villars music system kindly supplied by Louie’s drawbacks, as Faisal discovered. “One time * mum. “Back then it was all about the Beatles at Cookie’s my dad rang and asked where – there was no-one else,” he recalls. I was and I said I was just walking around In 1968, with the Swinging Sixties in full school. I have high cholesterol so I’m not o a t t tm r r supposed to eat unhealthy food. He yelled, amtt to o or t rt tm ‘No you’re not! You just bought a cookie!’ CHF 2’995’000 recall all too well being in the tuck shop with He’d seen the credit card transaction appear t t of t o o t r o immediately!” says. “We were hiding from Mrs Green, Treats aside, Faisal sums up the enduring Clairmont housemistress and the wife of the value of the tuck shop. “You can relax there chaplain. We were literally frozen under the – eat, work, talk, listen to music, watch TV. table as she searched the interior from the It’s like being in your room – but with your o raa o t a at friends around you!” •

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 29 aiglon on

at ar a trt o or t oa art mart ta to artAiglonian experts on what the future holds for collectors, galleries and artists.

Writer: LUCY JOLIN

30 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 Sueraya Shaheen Sueraya

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 31 AIGLONOLOGY

S ANDY WARHOL FAMOUSLY SAID, “BEING GOOD IN business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art, and working is art, and good business is the best art.” For Aiglonians collecting and working in the art world today, the business continues to surprise – and, sometimes, delight. For Asher Edelman (Father of Christopher, Alpina, Lower Sixth) art otor ar a o rtm there is not one global market but three. “The one per cent market is what you read about most of the time: where various sovereign states or hedge fund operators are waving their hands around to buy trophy art,” he says. “Then there’s the manipulated market, which includes Warhol, Basquiat, Richard Prince and Christopher Wool.” And the third market? “Everything else – which is the real market,” says Asher. “And that’s been down a touch, one or two per cent, in the last three years. It’s not frightening but it’s been without a lot of spark. All three markets have gone somewhat quiet, and it reminds me of what happened in the early 1990s, which was stagnation: not a lot you could really do on one side of the market or another for a few years then. I think that’s probably where we are now.” Of course, the global art market never stands still. Emerging markets may one day be mature markets, points out Alia Al- Senussi (Chantecler, 2000), especially the ones which are working on fostering a culture of art appreciation. Hans Ulrich Obrist, one of the art world’s most formidable intellectuals and co-director at the Serpentine, calls Alia a “junction-maker”. As well as sitting on the boards of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), Art Dubai, Art Basel and her role as Chair of the Tate Young Patrons, she is currently working on her PhD investigating the intersection of artists, patronage and government. One of the most rewarding aspects of her artistic life, she says, is bringing Middle Eastern artists together with those who want to commission them, and she’s recently helped Saudi Arabian contemporary artist Manal Al Dowayan and Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem work with Rolls-Royce on their arts programme. The Middle East, she says, is just beginning a fascinating journey. “We haven’t seen the crest of the wave there yet,” Previous page — she says. “I very much focus on that. In Jeddah, for example, or in Iskandar Safa Princess Alia Al-Senussi Dubai with its plethora of galleries and artist studios, the art world (Chantecler, 2000). (Father of Akram, Belvedere, feels like an organic movement rather than a government-imposed Lower Sixth) Above — one. There’s the Saudi Art Council, a group of patrons who are very Detail from “Femme à committed to the arts. Art Dubai is at the forefront: every year they l’éventail” by Alberto r tratoa mm rtor a r rom t art Magnelli. world. It’s really interesting and it’s bringing people together to understand what’s happening in the Middle East.” Below — “Tulips” by Bernard Bufet. Collector Mohammed Afkhami (Alpina, 1992) has seen t a rta raa o a r ra began collecting Iranian art in 2005 as a way of connecting with his heritage. Today, numerous galleries in Europe and the US show Iranian artists such as Shireen Neshat and Afshin Pirshamemi, and Mohammed Afkhami their work is sought after at the highest institutional level. (Alpina, 1992) But it’s not all about big numbers, says Mohammed. “Comparing, say, Anish Kapoor or Damien Hirst to Iranian artists is simply not relevant. What’s important about the increasing presence of Iranian art tat t a r r a frt rt to a otr that’s been regarded as a pariah state for so long. Iranians are like any other people: they love their art, they cherish their culture, and that aspect of being an Iranian has not been much out in the open. r a or tra a artt ra a otr raa t ra mor rt o t otr Asher Edelman than, say, the political imagery which is often portrayed on Western (Father of Christopher, Alpina, news channels.” Lower Sixth)

32 AIGLON ISSUE 5 VOLUME 1 AIGLONOLOGY

Nonetheless, it is the contemporary and modern art market that tends to grab the headlines and it’s not hard to see why: the most expensive artworks of 2015 include Picasso’s 1955 painting Les Femmes d’Alger (Version ‘O’), sold at Christie’s for $179,365,000, a oa o at t or $170,405,000. Collector Maurice Amon (Former parent) specialises in this market: his collection includes works by Warhol and Basquiat. “This market is extremely strong for very good pieces but is not as buoyant for lesser-known artists, particularly for pieces created early on in their careers; they can be acquired for very little money,” he says. Copyright Valentina Pianetti (Le Cerf, Fifth Form) Cerf, Pianetti (Le Valentina Copyright r t at ar ma otor a o t scene – they tend to not have much of a background in art or experience in the art market. They are more likely to go for very o am ot at t r a keeps the market high. This is in contrast to several years ago, when the average work of art would have a broader appeal and a clear market. Today, people are sophisticated enough to understand that it’s worth paying more for the top quality than to get medium quality with a 10 per cent discount. The value in that stock is certainly much more secure.” It’s hard to think of a market that hasn’t been disrupted in some way by the internet, and the art market is no exception. Anyone can now look up exactly how much was paid for a piece of art at auction, making it harder for dealers to work within healthy margins. That means fewer dealers and more auction houses. Yet there is still a place in this market for dealers, especially those with passion. Bob Haboldt (Belvedere, 1974, and father of Valentina, Le Cerf, Fifth Form) deals in Old Masters, working, he says, in the ‘margins’ of the larger art market. People Bob Haboldt who deal, say, in Egyptian seals or Chinese porcelains are specialists. (Belvedere, 1974, and father of Valentina, Le Cerf, Fifth Form) Auction houses have a very broad range, but they will not necessarily be able to spend the amount of time that dealers do either with a work of art or, ultimately, with the buyer. For Bob, auction houses Everything about the global art market is extraordinary. Take are big machines driven by turnover, while the art of the dealer is the Safa Collection, a private collection assembled by Iskandar far more subtle and conservative. Safa (Father of Akram, Belvedere, Lower Sixth), which Successful dealers must have an instinct for business, but they contains more than 4,000 works of art, from Greek and Roman also need to combine this with a good eye, he says. They need to archaeological pieces to contemporary art and photography. be able to spot a potential masterpiece sleeping beneath layers The Collection’s Curator, Claude Delias, explains that they are of dirt and varnish, and have the technical know-how to guide a guided by a long view rather than following the hot trend. “The art restoration. They should also have the curiosity to tell the story mart tat ormo a tr a aa a of every piece of art that goes through their hands, and they must and troughs,” he says. “Currently it’s clear that the price of art, know their customers. particularly contemporary art, is soaring, but that is not always the “You need to be capable of promoting a picture on someone’s case and will not always be the case. Mr Safa’s priority is not to wall, whether that’s a museum or a private house,” says Bob. “You follow the highs and lows of the market.” need to judge whether a collector’s wife will dislike a painting, And timing is everything. “We cannot avoid the fact that dealers or love a painting. You must know the needs of both institutions a artt t rom at r toa a and private people and where trends, if they exist in Old Master Claude. “But for Mr Safa there is always a conversation between us at ar a at t mt t r t – what is a work worth? There is a balance to strike. It’s important to predict. And you must know the lifestyle. Ours is a conservative to know whether today is the right time to buy a work, or if it was profession. I can’t stand half-naked on the beach somewhere and yesterday or will be tomorrow.” say: ‘Buy my Old Master painting.’ It doesn’t work that way.” Yet there’s more to this market than just value. The Safa So although it will always be the big numbers that make the oto ota or t ot a o aa a headlines, the global art market isn’t just about buying and selling. by the renowned and the virtually unknown. “I do not think, for It demands something deeper. “For me, art is about bringing t Saa oto tat a a tr a aa motato people together,” says Alia. “It’s part of family, society, life.” Asher a a t rat a at a o or r Edelman, meanwhile, has always given would-be collectors the a rat fr t r Saa a otr otor a same advice. “You may think of it as an asset, and it certainly is ot art tot rat aa ma a t a ra t an asset class in terms of having asset value,” he says. “But if you o o art ao t aa oto tart ar think of it as something you’re going to make money on, it probably ago and intends to continue, but I think it was really the passion for doesn’t equate with other ways of making money. Buy art because art which motivated Mr Safa at the beginning.” you are interested in the art, and you like it.” •

ISSUE 5 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 33 Rest and refuge. Food and friends. All this and more is available to those who abide by the rules of the mountain hut Writer: PETER TAYLOR WHIFFEN Joe McGorty & Alamy 34 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 mountain hut

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 35 “It’s a refuge, not a hotel, and there are no home comforts. But it is so much more than simply a place to stay” Vladimir Fartushnyak (Belvedere, Upper Sixth)

Previous page T’S BEEN A HARD DAY ON THE The huts themselves boast a proud and above — mountain. You’re exhausted, cold, history. It is just over 150 years since the Cabane des Dix hungry and not entirely sure how much or rt trtr a t t Centre and right — further you can go. Swiss Alpine Club to give its climbers some IAnd then you see it. It may be a dot in the modicum of, if not exactly luxurious Cabane des Diablerets distance, but it lifts your heart, for you know comfort, then at least safe respite from the this dot means a bed, a hot meal and, elements. Now the country boasts 152 of perhaps best of all, a chance to relax with them. They vary from tiny, sparse, seemingly friends and relive the triumphs – and precarious structures to 140-bed hostels tribulations – of the past few hours. And with showers. Most, though not all, have o toa o tor ofr a guardians looking after the hut and its silent prayer of thanks for one of the greatest transient occupants. But all these alpine inventions – the mountain hut. remarkable places broadly expect the same “It’s always a welcome sight,” says standards of behaviour from those who stay Vladimir Fartushnyak (Belvedere, in them. Upper Sixth). “It’s a refuge, not a hotel, and o t rt t o ar t there are no home comforts. But it’s so, so rules,” says current student Larissa much more than a place to stay. Mountain Kirkpatrick (Le Cerf, Upper Sixth). “The huts are very special places.” main ones are keeping in your own space,

36 AIGLON ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 keeping the noise down and keeping the gone in to providing this,” she adds. “If place tidy. I remember a few of us arriving you’re high up in the mountains, the food or t rt tm a to to t has been helicoptered in, and that’s all that’s down because we were a bit boisterous. Two o ofr o a a a t mo t weeks ago, we had to do the same to another world but you can’t pay for something if it group of younger students. But you soon isn’t there. Appreciating that makes even pick it up.” the pickiest of eaters less fussy.” Before long, the idea of simply treating Vladimir enjoys the menu. “Mountaineers your fellow climbers as you hope and expect love eating food and you can eat as much as they would treat you becomes second nature, you want – there’s soup, rice, meat, desserts says Shekhar Kanabar (Belvedere, 1998). – and if you really haven’t had enough you “It’s all about respect. You quickly learn to a om mor t a ara have respect for the hut, for your fellow agrees. “The food is not what I’d usually eat, rt t o climbers and for the people who were t t oo r oo or learn are the rules looking after and providing for you.” the mountains.” – the main one is rt r or a oo a Not that a mountain hut is always a keeping the noise students arrive at a hut, says Head of Girls haven of warmth and comfort. Expeditions, PE teacher and leading climber Elisabeth van de Grampel (Clairmont, down” Ms Louise Thomas. “They have to leave 1980) recalls a three-day ski/skin trail high Larissa Kirkpatrick their outdoor footwear at the door,” she ex from Arolla to Zermatt where the huts (Le Cerf, Upper Sixth) says, “along with anything sharp – axes, ofr tt mor ta a tr crampons.” “We had two nights in unattended cabins Any sharp attitudes get left there too, in the middle of glaciers at 3,000 metres,” says Larissa. “On expeditions you make a or a to t rt aa mor o a fort to t to o t o (des Dix, as I remember), led by our you’re with, and they with you. If someone’s expeditions master, Mr Cross, we had to tired or cold they might be a bit grumpy, but oto t rt ar m that soon disappears in a hut. If you spend down over a metal staircase, our skis on the night in tents you’re all in your little ro t o or a t a groups of three or four, but what I love reached the hut. There was no tenant and about huts is a feeling that we’re all together. the loo was outside on a windy ridge – to get I think the nature of Aiglon means we have there you had to hold onto a rope. It was that shared experience anyway, but a night freezing cold and I did not sleep at all.” in a hut with your friends brings you closer.” Nonetheless, what makes the hut Shekhar agrees: “Any beef you have with experience so special for many students is people would be outside. Even someone you the simple camaraderie, as Vladimir points don’t particularly get on with outside will be out. “You’re detached from civilisation, the your friend in a hut.” internet. What is there left to do but talk That bond comes from a shared and play games? We might play cards, but if appreciation of the shelter and food on there are no cards we play hide and seek. ofr a oma t r And mountain huts have loads of great ma tt ra tat om fort a hiding places!”

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 37 Right — La Cabane de Susanfe, used when climbing the Dents du Midi.

Any conversation or games have to be conducted at a low decibel. “There’s a lot of respect in the huts for the fact that people have had a physically hard day,” says Iñigo Valenzuela Lombera (Alpina, Lower Sixth). “People are sleeping at any time of the day and night so the atmosphere is always quiet. The only place there’s any noise is in the dining room and even that’s quiet because it drifts up to the bedroom. The noise level goes down another notch at about 9pm, as people start to settle down for the night. The only people who don’t observe this tend to be those who haven’t been in a hut before – but they soon get told!” – breakfast is usually bread and jam – you Shekhar recalls that, in his time at take your rubbish out, and you have to fold Aiglon, there was always a warm convivial your blanket and make your bed the way it mood in the huts. He remembers telling the was when you arrived,” says Larissa. girls ghost stories to “freak them out”! But “Usually it’s the job of one person to check Ms Thomas makes it clear that today boys under the beds.” and the girls still sleep separately, albeit Vladimir recalls some more persuasive sometimes at opposite ends of the same tactics to keep the hut tidy. “[Former room. But, she adds: “When that happens teacher] Mr Maxwell used to make people quite often the reaction from the girls is: ‘Oh tidy up and if he found one piece of rubbish, my goodness, have we really got to sleep everyone had to do laps!” t t o r ar aa taf Shekhar also recalls “having to leave the between the boys and girls. Romance might hut cleaner than you found it. Interestingly, “There’s a lot of blossom downstairs in the kitchen but it even the most rebellious students were respect in the huts certainly doesn’t continue upstairs!” extremely responsible when it came to for the fact that There is of course a ‘complete silence’ looking after the hut. We all understood the people have had a rule in the bedroom, not just at night but obligation to prepare it for the people to through the whole day, to accommodate come after us.” physically hard day” early-morning climbers now taking a mid- Ms Thomas isn’t surprised by the Iñigo Valenzuela Lombera afternoon nap. But although a hearty meal seriousness with which students abide by (Alpina, Lower Sixth) after a day on the mountain ought to give hut rules. “It’s a fantastic life skill, you a wonderful night’s sleep, bunking consideration of other people,” she says. down on mattresses adjacent to both “Although I do believe many Aiglonians classmates and strangers doesn’t necessarily develop that naturally anyway. If I get ease you into slumber. frustrated it’s because other individuals or “In the dead of night, in those bedrooms, groups aren’t doing what they should. But you can hear everything,” says Ms Thomas. Aiglon students understand and take that Inigo agrees: “A lot of people snore or talk in responsibility and I’m always very proud of their sleep. That is really hard for those still them for that.” awake. One time we were sharing the And then it’s out and onto the mountain bedroom with a guy we didn’t know, and his again. Vladimir believes it’s climbing snoring kept us all awake. Eventually our companions that make a hut stay special. “I teacher hit him with a pillow. It worked!” don’t have a favourite hut,” he says. “My Snorers “have been prodded”, confesses enjoyment of the experience depends on Larissa, coyly. “I don’t sleep that heavily who I’m with.” Shekhar is in complete anyway so I just go with it, but some people agreement. “The people are what make do get angry if they haven’t had their sleep. Aiglon great,” he says, “the people, and the There can be some arguments in the beauty. I think you take it for granted while morning.” you’re there. So maybe that’s why the huts But as dawn breaks, frayed tempers must hold very special memories – they’re be put aside as occupants focus on another extraordinary places in an extraordinary hut ritual – tidying up. “When you’ve eaten landscape.” •

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ICC · Rte de Pré-Bois 20 · 1215 Geneva 15 · Switzerland www.iun.ch Tel.: +41(0)22 710 71 10/12 · Fax: +41(0)22 710 71 11 Email: [email protected] A+

41 Why I love… 43 Obituaries 44 Behind the scenes 46 Personal best 48 Classnotes

At school, Miss Lewis, our chess teacher, is brilliant. Each week, she teaches us new, smart moves and techniques. Last year, she asked if I’d be interested in joining the Chess Ladder – a club ranking system that encourages friendly competition. At that time, there weren’t many people involved, but it’s grown to about 25 people now. I think there’s something quite contagious about the enthusiasm people have for chess. I’m the current trophy holder, although I dropped down to third place for a bit when I played fewer matches at the beginning of the year. If I want to feel inspired and motivated, I take a look at the trophy, which sits on the mantelpiece in our living room. I love the way that chess makes me focus. The only thing I can think of

“I love it when there’s a checkmate in sight and the opponent doesn’t see it!”

that’s similar is ski racing. At the start of racing, I really concentrate and get into a tunnel vision way of thinking, y Dad introduced me to chess where I see nothing other than the three years ago, when I was three gates in front of me – and it’s Why I love... M10. Now, when I play against exactly the same with the chess board. him – which is at least once a week and I love the silence of it too. Nobody talks. even more during the holidays – I always When I lose, I feel annoyed with Junior Chess think I’ve got him, but then, at the very myself. And the best moments are last minute, he seems to find a way to when my opponent thinks they’ve got beat me. That said, he is finding that me with a checkmate, but then I’ve got increasingly hard as I improve! them back. I also love it when there’s a I’m the first to admit I don’t like losing. checkmate in sight and the opponent The joy of the game for me comes doesn’t see it. It doubles the pleasure from winning, and that winning gives of winning when you tell them they me confidence – not just in chess, but missed their chance! much more widely. When I start on a Probably the best person I’ve losing streak, then win at the end, it’s watched play is a 12-year-old Russian particularly satisfying. And of course, girl who came to our school. She’s it’s great to win against someone who absolutely brilliant. I know I’ll be seeing is really good, although I always feel a lotSundustem more great il playersea corpori when I move Louis Masquelier-Page quite nervous when I start playing an intoberestiore senior school. et, odis I’m autlooking forward (La Baita, Second Form) opponent with an excellent reputation. to doluptait. • nosam is comnimi

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See why clients choose WBN members: WBNGlobal.com/Why-WBN-in-100-Seconds.html A+ Obituaries In memory

Philip Parsons Joyce Lowe 30 July 1934 – 30 January 2016 9 February 1916 – 19 December 2015

It is with very great sadness that we report the The school is also saddened to report the death These portraits of Joyce Lowe and death of former Headmaster Philip Parsons. Philip, of Joyce Lowe, who played a critical role in the Philip Parsons afectionately known to all as PP, joined Aiglon, with growth and development of Aiglon College. Joyce were painted by his new wife Bibi, in 1962 as a teacher of history, came to Aiglon in 1958 as John Corlette’s personal former Aiglon staf member eventually taking on the headship in 1976. Under assistant, going on to become Vice-Chairman (1966-1973) his leadership academic standards advanced, the of the Board of Governors and a life member of Norman Perryman Junior School was conceived and established and the Aiglon College Association. Joyce’s tireless and hang in pride Aiglon grew to 267 students representing more than commitment to the school and its students was of place in Forbes. 50 nationalities. He was a tenacious guardian of the rooted in a deep devotion to John Corlette, both as school’s founding principles and a tireless advocate a man and as a source of transformational personal of high standards. Ever thoughtful and unrufled, example to the young people who attended Aiglon. he kept the school on a clear and steady trajectory. She will be remembered as a woman of remarkable His quiet-spoken and unfailingly respectful character and resilience, and perhaps as the manner underpinned a resolute determination to indispensible foil to John Corlette, ensuring that do the right thing; integrity and authority were the founder’s remarkable educational vision could woven together in a way that inspired confidence. be fostered and sustained for the future. She will be Together with Bibi he garnered the afection of a remembered with great fondness, appreciation and huge following of appreciative Aiglonians and their love by all those fortunate enough to have known families. We remember him with thanks. her and experienced her commitment to Aiglon. ww.aiglon.ch/news/remembering-philip-parsons www.aiglon.ch/latest-news/2015/in-memory-of-joyce-lowe

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 43 BEHIND THE SCENES Grounds Crew Come sun or snow, Aiglon’s grounds crew are on hand to look after the school’s lawns, courts, paths and buildings.

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Much of the day-to-day work changes with the seasons, says Mr Beata. “So while there’s the snow to clear in the winter, the tractor and Writer: mower will be out during the summer. With KATE HILPERN around 20 acres of land, which is very hilly, Photography: there’s always lots to do, but we all relish a JOE McGORTY nyone watching a scene of people challenge and we bring in external contractors playfully throwing snow at each other for the bigger jobs.” A in the grounds of Aiglon could be Sometimes the students get snowed in. “We forgiven for assuming it’s the students. “But can’t be everywhere at 7.30am, so we provide in fact, my grounds crew team love having a all the boarding houses with shovels. Some laugh while they work or when they shovel of the Houseparents create little armies of snow – and, yes, they do occasionally throw students to clear the snow, so we don’t have it at one another,” laughs Mr Marco Beata, to,” says Mr Beata. Director of Estates. At other times, students are sent to help It’s not that the team of six men – whose to work of a punishment. “It usually involves expertise includes electrics, carpentry, something like stacking chairs or preparing mechanics, flooring, painting and gardening carpets. They don’t mind too much – it’s better – don’t work hard. Looking after 23 buildings, than some of the other tasks which they could this team – headed by Mr Beata – manage be assigned!” around 40 major projects each year. So, on top The groundsmen have a good relationship of daily jobs such as shovelling snow, the team with the students, says Mr Beata, who is receive requests that range from re-flooring himself one of the school’s volleyball coaches. a bedroom or preparing for graduation, to “Having worked for many years in education, it “With around creating an ofice from scratch or changing all helps sometimes to understand teachers’ and the locks in a building. students’ needs!” he says. • 20 acres of very “But there’s lots of banter and fun while the hilly land there’s team works,” explains Mr Beata. “Some of the always lots to do, funniest moments are when they make little Above but we all relish a jokes about the way words get pronounced. The grounds crew, from It’s a very international team, including left to right: Marc-André challenge” Da Silva, Alex Cozzarolo, Portuguese, English, French and Swiss, so Laurent Calise, João Marco Beata that happens a lot. They have a great sense Cardoso, Alcino Dos (Director of Estates) of humour.” Santos and David Moss.

ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 AIGLON 45 PERSONAL BEST Running man Achieving your personal best requires a combination of mind, body and spirit.

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“Before a race I’m so nervous I feel like I’m dying. It happens every time, no matter how often I race”

prepare for the inter-school competitions that take place throughout the summer, a vital part of the overall sports scene at Aiglon. Joshua discovered his love of athletics during his second year at Aiglon. “My first year I was just settling in,” he says. “It was a big change for me coming from Nigeria. The first time I saw snow I didn’t realise it melted! Writer: I rolled in it because I thought it just fell of MEGAN WELFORD you, so I got really wet! Photography: “In the summer term of my second year I JOE McGORTY started long distance running and felt I had a good pace. Then I tried the sprints and realised I was good at it! That was a great feeling. What I love best about it is just the oshua Nda-Isaiah (Alpina, Fourth 2015) record for the 200 metres (23 seconds). running. It’s been like that with me since I was Form) says that the Aiglon mantra “If I train hard I hope I can do it,” he says. a child. I’d play football but I wouldn’t even of the balanced development of But whatever his success, training remains chase the ball, I’d just run for the fun of it. For mind, body and spirit is, in fact, the a battle with the spirit. “Training is the worst everything else I’m nothing special.” perfect recipe for sporting success. thing,” says Joshua, whose eforts up and Sport is obviously about winning, but it’s JWhile he is racing, Joshua’s mind is focused down the 500 metres of road between also about being able to lose, and that’s entirely on running. “Before a race I’m so Clairmont and La Casa every other day is a where Joshua says Aiglon has really helped nervous I feel like I’m dying,” he explains. “It familiar sight to students. “It’s so hard, the him. “My tutor, Mr Broad, has really helped happens every time, no matter how often I pain never gets less. What keeps me going is me,” he says. “He tells me, ‘No matter how big race. I’m so scared. But right before the gun I want to run. It’s extremely important to me and strong you are, there’s always someone goes, I’m not scared any more. While I’m that I keep on progressing. If I stop I’m just stronger and faster.’ I like to stay positive. It’s running the only thought in my head is, ‘Don’t cheating myself. Aiglon’s high altitude makes like waking up and saying to yourself, “This fall!’ I channel everything else out. I hope it harder, but when you go down into the is going to be a good day”, or thinking, ‘That people are cheering but I can’t hear it.” valley to race other schools, it’s easier!” was a good breakfast, I’m not hungry any The results of this mental stamina can His personal training programme is on more’. be seen in the speed of the body. Currently top of regular PE sessions, and the three “We learn that kind of mindfulness in Aiglon’s 100 and 400 metres record holder hours per week of extra curricular athletics meditation and it really makes sense to me. (11.5 and 55 seconds respectively), Joshua coaching he does with Mr Thompson and I can’t expect to win everything. But if I feel now has his sights set on beating [former Mr Hayden. There he does running drills and positive about a race I feel confident, and I Sports Captain] Victor Gladskoy’s (Alpina, muscle exercises for pace and stamina to run better.” •

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HOSPITALITY MIAMI-STYLE SF BAY GREETINGS! I have relocated to Miami, Florida from Karel and Anne send Singapore and have launched a new greetings from the SF Bay business, with Megan Reed, called Area, where they have lived “Every Bell That Rings”. Bringing the for more than 30 years. right touch of signature hospitality to The Fishers have three your home! grown children and six Nicole Eisen (Clairmont, 1996) grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. They enjoyed the recent SF reunions, seeing long-time friends Illustrations: and making new ones. RUBY TAYLOR Karel Fisher (Alpina, 1965)

MEET UP IN DC Roya writes to say she’s on her third business venture in Silicon Valley – mixing technology and fashion – while her son is studying at the George Washington University in DC. They would love to meet up with Aiglonites in DC or play host anytime to any Aiglonite that comes to San Francisco. Roya Mohagheghi Class notes (Clairmont, 1979) Share your news and get in touch with the Aiglon community at [email protected]

A NEW HOUSE FRIENDS FROM 1959-62 The past year has been an I’m retired and share my life extremely busy period for us between Long Island, NY and – as we decided to have a new believe it or not – Chesières, and house built in a charming little I’d like to reconnect with old Aiglon French village called Aufargis. friends from 1959/62. So, if you The building work started in remember me, please get in touch. July 2014 and we moved in John Hooker (1968) mid-June 2015. Contact John via [email protected] 1985 REUNION Justin Pepper and we’ll pass on your messages. Simon and I organised a class reunion for (Belvedere, 1977) 1985 last summer at Chantecler. In total some 25 alumni made it back to school. Two girls even flew in from Sydney! Egon Vorfeld (Delaware, 1985)

A NEW BALANCE I can’t believe it has been four years since I started my company, Ellipsis Advisors, providing a thought-sparring advisory product for CEOs. I love being able to balance my work, with social entrepreneurs, with the free time to enjoy other pursuits that also make me happy! I am living in Fort Lauderdale and travelling at times to New York and Brazil – a far cry from the global travel I used to do. Hans Hickler (Alpina, 1980)

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GENÈVE ZÜRICH LUZERN LUGANO ST. MORITZ RUE DU RHÔNE 62 BAHNHOFSTRASSE 64 KAPELLPLATZ 5 VIA NASSA 5 PALACE GALERIE +41 22 318 62 22 +41 44 227 17 17 +41 41 227 10 50 +41 91 923 51 56 +41 81 833 51 77